Lipstick is an essential in every makeup kit but a nightmare when it stains your favourite top. The combination of oils, waxes and pigments can make lipstick stains notoriously difficult to remove. Don’t worry! This guide will help you, with practical, step-by-step solutions to restore your clothes to their best with tips for getting lipstick out of your clothes.
Understanding Lipstick stains
Lipstick contains oil and pigments that seal themselves to the fibers of the fabric. That’s why they’re so dogged. Timing is of the essence in removing the stain before it sets, so try these methods as soon as you can for best results.
Pre-Treatment tips
Before diving into any specific method, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
- Do not rub the stain. Rubbing can push the lipstick deeper into the fabric and make it harder to remove.
- Blot the stain. Use a clean paper towel or cloth to absorb excess lipstick gently.
- Gather your tools. Items like dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or baking soda will come in handy during the process.
Step-by-step guide on how to remove lipstick from clothes
Below are four effective ways to remove lipstick stains from your clothes:
1. Dish soap and warm water
One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat lipstick stains is with dish soap.
- Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain.
- Gently scrub the area using a soft toothbrush or your fingers.
- Rinse with warm water and check if the stain is lifting. Repeat if necessary.
2. Rubbing alcohol method
Rubbing alcohol works wonders on stubborn stains, but test a small, hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it’s color-safe.
- Dab a cotton ball or clean cloth in rubbing alcohol.
- Lightly blot the stain, working from the outside in to avoid spreading it.
- Rinse thoroughly and launder as usual.
3. Hairspray Technique
Hairspray isn’t just for styling—it can also help break down lipstick stains!
- Spray a generous amount of hairspray onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Blot the stain with a damp cloth and then wash as normal.
4. Baking Soda Paste
For a natural solution, try a baking soda paste.
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.
Special fabrics and precautions
Certain fabrics require extra care:
- Silk and delicate fabrics: Use baby shampoo or a silk-safe detergent to gently work on the stain. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Dry-clean only clothes: Blot the stain gently and take it to a professional cleaner. Inform them of the type of stain for better results.
Final Steps
Once the stain is removed, wash the garment in the washing machine using a regular cycle. Before drying, check the stained area to ensure it’s gone. Heat can set any remaining stain, making it nearly impossible to remove later.
Preventive measures
- Dress after applying makeup to avoid accidental smudges.
- Use a stain-resistant spray to protect your clothes.
- Keep makeup wipes or stain removal wipes handy for on-the-go mishaps.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
It’s best to avoid hot water initially. Heat can set the stain, making it harder to remove. Start with cool or lukewarm water until the stain has been lifted.
For dried stains, pretreat the area with dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or a commercial stain remover. Let it sit for a longer period (10-15 minutes) before scrubbing gently and rinsing.
Most methods are safe for common fabrics like cotton or polyester. For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, use gentler products like baby shampoo or seek professional dry cleaning services.
Yes, makeup remover can be effective for breaking down the oils and pigments in lipstick. Use a makeup wipe or a small amount of remover on a cotton ball to blot the stain before washing.
Try using plain dish soap, laundry detergent, or even mild shampoo as a substitute. Blot gently and rinse with lukewarm water.
Apply makeup before getting dressed, use a tissue to blot excess lipstick, and consider using long-lasting or smudge-proof lipstick formulas.
Only if the stain is completely gone. Heat from the dryer can set any remaining residue, making it much harder to remove.
Yes, products like stain removal sprays or gels (e.g., Shout, OxiClean) can be effective. Always follow the product instructions and test on a small area first.
Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. Avoid excessive rubbing, and blot gently with a clean cloth.
Baking soda is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the stain.
Conclusion
Lipstick stains don’t have to ruin your favorite clothes! With these simple methods, you can effectively remove the stains and save your wardrobe. If you have additional stain-removal tricks or questions, share them in the comments below.
Looking for more tips? Check out our other articles on keeping your clothes clean and looking fabulous!
